AUSTIN, Texas — As KVUE celebrates Black History Month, we’re taking a closer look at an Austin nonprofit that’s working to expand opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math, commonly called STEM.
Since 2020, the African American Youth Harvest Foundation (AAYHF) has partnered with Dell Technologies on a program to help students reach that goal.
Inside the nonprofit’s building off Highway 290 near Cameron Road in northeast Austin, a third floor computer lab is where Jacob Ulmer, a senior at St. Michael’s Catholic Preparatory School, keeps learning when he’s out of class.
“One of the big things I learned was what I’m interested in,” Ulmer said. “This is what I want to do in college.”
Ulmer wants to make a difference. He’s already reaching that goal after two internships at AAYHF.
“I actually created an in-depth interactive slideshow that all the employees could look at and look for, which taught you about how to get your email and how to not get phished,” Ulmer said.
He also updated computer security for children while spending time as a camp counselor.
Hadeed Khan, a senior at Austin ISD’s Liberal Arts and Science Academy, taught technology and digital literacy to children after being placed at AAYHF through a STEM internship with the city of Austin. He mostly helped first through fifth graders.
“I’m definitely very grateful for this program,” Khan said. “It’s a lot of fun and at the same time, you’re enjoying with them and you’re teaching them at the same time. And it’s really a fulfilling experience.”
Children there learn robotics, coding, 3D printing and more.
Dell funded AAYHF’s computer lab and also sponsors the Student TechCrew program. It allows Ulmer, Khan and other students to take certifications, which can open doors to high-paying jobs for free.
Elaine Lofton, the chief program officer and program coordinator at AAYHF, said those certifications can cost up to $2,000 for adults.
“I thought, ‘What a great way and a pathway forward,’” Lofton said of the program.
She retired from a long career in information technology with state government.
“It was lonely at the top for me,” Lofton said. “When I looked around, being a chief information officer with the state of Texas and being the only Black female and looked around the room, it was lonely. And I realized that I needed to really kind of be able to boost someone’s morale and show them pathways in which they can achieve. ‘You can get there.’”
That’s a message Lofton delivers to students by partnering with local schools.
De’von Jones took the Dell program online while attending Manor New Tech High School. Now the Huston-Tillotson University junior and computer and information sciences major works in the AAYHF computer lab, making STEM curriculum for the children.
“It really does take a village to raise a kid,” Jones said. “So being part of that village, it makes me feel whole.”
Jones hopes to become a software developer or game developer.
Meanwhile, as Khan and Ulmer plan to major in computer science in college, they’re also thinking ahead to their dream jobs.
“Orthodontist sounds like a fun job because you have all those machines you’re working with,” Khan said. “So, I’d say something where you have a bunch of technology with you and a bunch of machines.”
“My family actually owns a small business, Me & the Bees Lemonade, so I want to help my own family in the future,” Ulmer said. “I also maybe want to create my own company.”
It’s a community effort to help transform those dreams into real life.
“When you have reached and touched one person, that’s a success for me,” Lofton said.
Looking ahead, Lofton said AAYHF is focusing on autonomous robotics and teaching students artificial intelligence.
The organization’s STEM program is free and open to students of all backgrounds. AAYHF also offers other programs and resources for children and adults in that same building.
Anyone interested can call 512-428-4480, email [email protected] or visit aayhf.org.